Agni-II test-Launch postponed

The test-launch of surface-to-surface intermediate range ballistic missile (IRBM) Agni-II, that was scheduled between Tuesday and Thursday, has been postponed to next week. Sources at the integrated test range (ITR) at Chandipur-on-sea said the test, considered a user trial, will be carried out after the counting of votes.Hectic preparations were on at the Wheelers Island for the last one month for the test of the Agni-II missile, which has a strike range of over 2,000 km. All the preparations have reached the final stage but the defence scientists are waiting for the government’s nod, a source said.The source further said that usually a missile is tested after the DRDO scientists receive green signal from the Cabinet Committee on Security Affairs and then clearance from the Lab Authorisation Board of DRDO. ‘‘If the scientists get ‘go ahead’ signal from the Cabinet, then the missile may be tested from the Orissa coast anytime between May 19 and 21.’’ The Agni-V, capable of hitting targets at a distance of 5,000-km, would derive most of its sub-systems from Agni-II though they would need sufficient scaling. Besides, there is a plan to develop Agni-IV as an intermediate step between Agni-III and Agni-V, said a defence scientist.‘‘We have the capability to go in for even longer range missiles but it is the political leadership which has to take a decision. With the present scenario we are capable of developing the inter-continental ballistic missiles which can hit targets beyond the range of 10,000-km,’’ a defence scientist maintained.